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Immigration FAQs

F-1 Students

Will I be able to take online classes from my home country?

Yes. Students can take classes from abroad and still maintain their immigration status.

Are international students going to be required to leave the U.S.?

No. The guidance rescinded on July 14 cancels this requirement.

How can I maintain my immigration status while taking all online classes in the U.S?

As long as you are registered for a full-time course load (12 units for undergrads, 6 units for graduates) your immigration status is active.

I am graduating this Fall and only have one class left. What should I do?

You must ensure you have applied for a grad check through the registrar’s office, then submit a Reduced Course Load (RCL) request through CISP's Online Service Request.     CISP will be able to maintain your SEVIS record based on these two actions.

I am newly admitted student; will I have to take my classes online?

Yes. The campus is delivering all classes online with a few exceptions to labs and some music classes.

I am a newly admitted transfer student. Do I still need to have my SEVIS record transfer from my old university to CSUSB?

If you are planning to take classes at CSUSB, your SEVIS record must first be transferred so you can maintain your immigration status.

I would take my classes from my home country, but my home country is not allowing flights in from the U.S. What should I do?

We recommend you enroll in your fall courses to maintain your status while you are here in the U.S. Keep checking flights and leave as soon as you are able to. You must  continue to take your classes to keep your SEVIS active.

I left the U.S. in April, when the virtual learning started. If I stay in my home country through the Fall term, it will be over 5 months. Will this cancel my immigration status?

No. The ICE guidance updated on July 15, 2020 continues to provide provisions for F-1 students. The five-month temporary absence provision will not apply for  students who remain in active status.

I read in the news there could be potential changes to the OPT program. If I am graduating in the fall term how will this impact me?

At this time, it is hard to determine if there will be an impact on the OPT program. Please stay posted on any regulation updates.

Can I still take all online classes in the fall?

Yes. The ICE guidance updated on July 15, 2020 continues to provide provisions for F-1 students to enroll in classes delivered in an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

J-1 Students

Are electronic DS 2019 allowed for visa processing or travel signatures?

Unfortunately, no.  The DOS requires original signatures on DS 2019 forms for formal visa processing or travel signatures.

Where can I find COVID-19 information for J-1 Students?

Guidance for the J-1 Student is available on the Department of State’s Website, https://j1visa.state.gov/covid-19/

Once I graduate, how long do I have before I have to leave the U.S?

A J-1 visa holder has a 30-day grace period to leave the U.S. after the program ends or the program end date listed on the DS-2019, whichever comes first.

I am currently in my home country and plan to return to the U.S. this fall. Since I have a valid visa stamp can I return without any issues?

Yes, you should be able to return the U.S. with a valid visa stamp. It is always recommended to check with local Embassies and Consulates Offices to ensure there are no travel restrictions when planning to return to the US. 

Will there be any impact to my immigration status and visa stamp if I travel outside the U.S. during the fall term?

As you long as you are registered and attending classes, have a valid DS-2019 with a travel signature, and have a valid visa stamp you should have no issues returning to the U.S. It is always recommended to check with local Embassies and Consulates Offices to ensure there are no travel restrictions when planning to return to the US. 

Does the ICE guidance apply to J-1 students?

No. J-1 students’ regulations are governed by the Department of State Exchange Programs (DOS). 

Can J-1 students in an initial status outside the U.S. take classes online in their home country?

Yes.  DOS allows for online courses; however, recommends that students in initial status abroad not have an active SEVIS record.

Can I take all online classes in the fall if I am in the United States?

Yes. If you have an active SEVIS record, you can take classes online while here in the U.S.